Few conductors have made a greater contribution to our understanding of Bruckner than Günter Wand (1912–2002), whose readings of his symphonies concentrated on their texture and, hence, their spirit. During the great final phase of his career, documented here, Wand devoted himself increasingly to Bruckner's works, and his interpretations became ever freer, revealing both heartfelt emotion and musical intelligence.

"Wand considered Bruckner to be 'the most significant symphonist after Beethoven,' and listening to … this collection, one may easily be persuaded. Listening to the chorale of the Fifth Symphony's last movement while observing Wand's penetrating stare, one recognizes the concentrated emotion of an artist whose spirituality bears close affinity to that of Bruckner's…. He imbues that spirituality with a secular essence whereas other conductors often exaggerate its religious connotations in order to emphasize the composer's extreme religiosity. Wand puts it best … 'I am a musician, not a priest!... When I conduct Bruckner, my aim is to make it clear that he is a great symphonist and not just a composer of solemn and sacred moods: I simply want to present the music as it is intended.' And that he does."—Notes